The True Healer Loves You

The True Healer Loves You.

Early yesterday morning, I spent an hour writing about the months leading up to a diagnosed of Multiple Sclerosis.   

Then this morning….

I deleted it.  

Psalm 103:1-5

1 Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits -

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Jehovah Rapha, “The God who heals”, loves and adores YOU!

He is not only the healer of bodies.  He heals hearts, relationships, marriages, finances and more.  

Friend, I have seen miracles happen in an instant, as well as over a period of time.  Like you, I have also seen people for whom I have prayed, pass away entirely too soon from my perspective.  But, I have a very limited view of these things.

What I know for sure is that God is good. He is all powerful, completely loving and more. Oh, how I want you to know that, too - deeply, in your heart, in your “inmost being”.

So, here's the deal with my diagnosis.          It was terrible.

You could probably have guessed that.

The pictures were taken three weeks after the diagnosis.  I was very weak, especially on my left side. I struggled to walk and to get up stairs. It felt like something was pulling me into the ground.  Sometimes, it was even hard to hold my head up. It seemed just so heavy. During my second episode, I went completely blind in my right eye. 

Of course, I had been praying, believing, and declaring God’s Words. Yet, I was still told I had an “incurable” autoimmune disease. I have learned a lot since then.

One very important Truth I had not learned yet was to ask God what is going on before I ask or listen to any person, even truly caring people, intelligent people or spiritual people.  God knows the real-deal with your situations and mine.  Even though I had wonderful, intelligent doctors, this diagnosis was also from a limited view.

*God had not told me I had MS.*

I actually did not think to ask him “What’s up?”. Oooops! Praise God for grace. With age and experience comes a little wisdom. Though I prayed and asked others to pray as well, one of my many lessons was to learn to ask God about the situation first. Whether it is an illness or a different challenging situation, ask Him how to pray and how to proceed. (Even if it is a fight with your spouse).

I did not go on any medications at first. I got a second opinion and saw a leading Integrative Medicine doctor at Ohio State University.  Despite all the vitamins and natural solutions, that doctor was the one who got me into the OSU MS Clinic eight months later.  I am not a fan of medication or pharmaceutical companies. However, I am a huge fan of doctors and nurses.  I  had many wonderful people caring for me. My new neurologist explained that I could go completely blind the next day with no warning,  or perhaps not be able to walk, or worse.  That was her job. That is why I went to her. By going there, I was asking her what she had seen, what she had been taught in medical school. By being there, I was asking her opinion and perspective. She was not a pastor, theologian or prophet. She was a great doctor and very nice woman. Clearly, hearing what MS could mean for my future caused fear at that time. Fear prompted me to take the medication that does not cure but lessens episodes in frequency and/or severity.

Very reluctantly, I began giving myself weekly shots, plunging an inch and a half needle into my thigh. Then, I would feel like I had to flu for 24-48 hours. I hated it! I cried every week before I gave myself the shot.

I promise - This story gets better.

One afternoon I was on my living room floor crying, praying and begging God to take this away. That is when I heard it clearly, not an audible voice, but an internal one that sounded nothing like me.

“Believe Me”.

I lifted my head up and looked around. It was so clear. . It was almost audible.

“Believe Me”.

Wait - This was definitely not any self-talk.

“Believe Me”.

Ok, God. What does that mean? No more medicine? Should I do a special diet? A homeopathic solution? What?

Then there was this:

“Nothing is going to get my glory”.

Ummmmm - Ok, Lord. But who is going to convince Bill (my husband)?

Clearly, Bill did not like the idea.

But God is good …….. and funny.

He speaks husband language.

I was out of the medication. When I called to inquire why it had not been sent, the company informed me that my insurance had changed their coverage of this medicine.  The cost would go from $30/month to $1200. Yes, $1200! Ha!  That made him a little more willing to try it the way I was suggesting. 

Now to be clear - I did not hear I was healed. The words were, “Believe Me.” So, I did.

That was 2008.

My doctor ended up moving away. I ended up not seeing a neurologist for seven years.  I have not had any episodes since going off the medication. I do not have any new damage to my nervous system.   

Go God!!!

The new neurologist was amazed. He asked what I was doing.  

I answered, “Well, ummm, I pray”.

He paused, continued comparing old and new MRIs and test results, then looked up and said,

“Mrs. Stauffer, it looks like that God you pray to is an MS Specialist.”

“ He is!” I replied excitedly, “and so much more.”  I asked him to give me a new diagnosis but he would not since, since the previous damage could still be seen on my MRI. But, he did agree that it was fine for me to stay off medication if I agreed to come in if anything changed.

It has now been a decade since I have taken any MS medication.  Let me be clear - I am in no way telling you not to listen to your doctor or take your medications.  

I am just recommending that whatever comes into your life, whatever is hurting you, be still and listen.

Ask God for HIS perspective. Ask him for His omniscient view of your situation.

God never told me I had MS. He told me to believe him.  

What has he said about your situation?

Has HE told you

• your sickness is incurable?

• Your marriage is irreparable?
• Your child is too far gone to save?
• Your finances are hopeless?
• Or, the damage in a relationship cannot be repaired?

Of course, not! He loves you and has good things for your life.

Believe Him!

He knows your “inmost being”. He created it (Psalm 139:13)

He loves you.  

Ask Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, to touch you and give you His perspective of your life.

You are dearly loved, my friend.

The One who loves you most IS the One and only true Healer.

Never Forget the Truth - The True Healer Loves You.